Pyogenic and amebic liver abscesses are the two most common hepatic abscesses. Amebic abscesses are more common in areas where Entamoeba histolytica is endemic, whereas pyogenic abscesses are more common in developed countries. Pyogenic abscess severity is dependent on the bacterial source and the underlying condition of the patient. Amebic liver abscess is more prevalent in individuals with suppressed cell-mediated immunity, men, and younger people. The right lobe of the liver is the most likely site of infection in both types of hepatic abscess. Patients usually present with a combination of fever, right-upper-quadrant abdominal pain, and hepatomegaly. Jaundice is more common in the pyogenic abscess. The diagnosis is often delayed and is usually made through a combination of radiologic imaging and microbiologic, serologic, and percutaneous techniques. Treatment involves antibiotics along with percutaneous drainage or surgery.

Infectious complications in cirrhotic patients can cause severe morbidity and mortality. Bacterial infections are estimated to cause up to 25% of deaths in cirrhotic patients. The most frequent are urinary tract infection, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, respiratory tract infection, and bacteremia. It has been said that cirrhosis is the most common form of acquired immunodeficiency, exceeding even AIDS. The specific risk factors for infection in cirrhotic patients are low serum albumin, gastrointestinal bleeding, intensive care unit admission for any cause, and therapeutic endoscopy. Certain infectious agents are more virulent and more common in patients with liver disease. These include Vibrio, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Plesiomonas, Enterococcus, Aeromonas, Capnocytophaga, and Listeria species, as well as organisms from other species. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a frequent, severe, life-threatening complication of patients with ascites. Current observations and recommendations regarding treatment and prophylaxis are reviewed. A brief synopsis of miscellaneous infections encountered in cirrhotic patients is also included.

Since the beginning of the AIDS pandemic, gastrointestinal (GI) problems have been among the most common features of the disease. Despite the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1995 and 1996, most HIV-infected patients continue to have GI complications. The clinician must be able to diagnose and treat the opportunistic gastrointestinal infections and neoplasms that occur in the advanced AIDS patient, as well as the treatment-induced symptoms and non-HIV-related GI disorders that predominate in early HIV disease. This review addresses the GI manifestations of HIV, with particular emphasis on new developments in the era of highly effective therapy.

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Epstein-Barr (EB) virus infection is common, with up to 90% of individuals demonstrating positive titers by age 20. Although elevated liver function tests commonly occur, severe hepatitis is rare. Only six cases of ascites complicating Epstein-Barr infection are reported, but none clearly demonstrate the absence of other causes of hepatic dysfunction. A 37-yr-old male presented with a 4-wk history of upper respiratory tract symptoms. Over 3 days before admission he developed jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. After hospitalization, the patient developed tense ascites requiring paracentesis. Serum-ascitic albumin gradient was 0.3 g/dL. Liver function tests peaked at the following values: prothrombin time of 24.5 s, total bilirubin of 18.0 mg/dL, and transaminases in excess of 5000 IU/L. EB Virus IgG and IgM titers were 1:640 and >1:40, respectively. Other viral serologies and polymerase chain reactions were negative. The patient experienced a complete clinical and laboratory recovery over the next 6 months. This represents the first documentation of ascites complicating Epstein-Barr infection without other sources of hepatic dysfunction. It demonstrates a narrow serum-ascitic albumin gradient in these patients, and that complete recovery can occur with supportive care.